06/04/2026
The Racine Journal Times recently revisited one of our completed projects, and we are pleased to share the article with you. We are excited for Mark McCleary, the new President and CEO of Visit Racine County, to welcome visitors into this newly updated space and showcase all that our city has to offer.
Below is the article written by Holly Gilvary, City and County Government Reporter.
STURTEVANT — Mark McCleary has been appointed as Visit Racine County's new president and CEO.
McCleary joined VRC in December, previously serving as the interim president. According to the organization's Board of Directors, he brings an extensive background in strategic planning, global brand marketing and community leadership.
Along with its new leadership, the VRC has resumed its previous schedule of being open Tuesday through Sunday.
The visitor center, at 14015 Washington Ave. in Sturtevant, underwent renovations from September to December 2025, according to McCleary, and reopened in March on a Tuesday through Friday schedule.
The $350,000 renovation included a redesign of the lobby space with updated walls, new art and shelves of travel brochures from across the state. The center's meeting and convention room also received upgrades.
McCleary said the renovation was paid for using Racine County hotel room taxes, with $190,000 of that coming from Mount Pleasant.
Tourism in Racine County brought in $555 million in 2024, including $318 million in direct visitor spending, according to VRC. Local tax revenue generated from tourism totaled $30.1 million.
Data about tourism impacts to the county in 2025 are due in June, according to McCleary.